CN104918519A - Mattress foundation including vibration motors and mounting arrangements therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable mattress foundation includes a frame having at least one movable frame section; and a panel coupled to the movable frame section for movement therewith. The panel includes a lower surface and an upper surface in facing relationship with the movable frame portion. The adjustable mattress base further includes: an actuator supported on the frame and operable to selectively tilt the at least one movable frame portion; a vibration motor; and A support suspends the vibration motor relative to the panel. The support is mounted to the upper surface of the panel.

Description

Mattress base including vibrating motor and its mounting equipment

technical field

The present invention relates to mattress foundations, and more particularly to mattress foundation vibration apparatus and methods.

Background technique

An adjustable mattress base is used to change the shape of the mattress supported thereon according to the user's comfort. For example, such a base is operable to recline with one portion of the mattress associated with the user's head and shoulders and another portion of the mattress associated with the user's legs and feet. Vibration motors are also commonly used with adjustable mattress bases to apply massaging vibrations to portions of the mattress associated with the user's back and legs.

Contents of the invention

An aspect of the present invention provides an adjustable mattress foundation comprising: a frame having at least one movable frame portion; and a panel coupled to the movable frame portion for interfacing with the The movable frame parts move together. The panel includes an upper surface and a lower surface in facing relationship with the movable frame portion. The adjustable mattress base further includes: an actuator supported on the frame and operable to selectively tilt the at least one movable frame portion; a vibration motor; and a support that suspends the vibration motor relative to the panel. The support is mounted to the upper surface of the panel.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide an assembly for generating vibrations of a mattress supported on a panel of a mattress base having a hole therein, the assembly comprising: a vibration motor and a support suspending the vibration motor relative to the panel, the support being mounted to the upper surface of the panel, extending below the vibration motor, and suspending the vibration motor on A position substantially aligned with the aperture in the panel and at least partially below the panel.

In some embodiments, a mattress foundation is provided and includes: a frame; a panel supported by the frame and adapted to support a mattress thereon, the panel including an upper surface and an opposite ground a lower surface of the pair; a vibration motor; and a support suspending the vibration motor relative to the panel, the support mounted to the upper surface of the panel.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable mattress foundation of the present invention in a flat configuration with a mattress supported thereon.

2 is a perspective view of the adjustable mattress foundation of FIG. 1 in a reclined or raised configuration.

3 is an exploded, top perspective view of the adjustable mattress foundation of FIG. 1 .

4 is a cutaway side view of the adjustable mattress foundation of FIG. 1 in a flat configuration.

5 is a cutaway side view of the adjustable mattress foundation of FIG. 1 in a reclined or raised configuration.

6 is a top perspective view of the adjustable mattress base of FIG. 1 with portions removed, illustrating the three vibration motor assemblies.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of one of the vibration motor assemblies of FIG. 6 .

8 is a cross-sectional view of one of the vibration motor assemblies through line 8-8 of FIG. 6. FIG.

9 is a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

10 is a top perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

11 is a front view of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 10 .

12 is a front view of yet another alternate embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

13 is a front view of yet another alternate embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

14 is a front view of another alternate embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

15 is a front view of yet another alternate embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

16 is a top perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 with the vibration motor omitted for clarity.

17 is a cutaway front perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

18 is a cutaway front perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

19 is a cutaway front perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

20 is a cutaway front perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

21 is a cutaway front perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

22 is a cutaway front perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

23 is a cutaway front perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 24 is a front view of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 23 .

25 is a cutaway front perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

26 is a cutaway front perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 27 is a front view of the vibration motor assembly of FIG. 26 .

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the embodiments and the arrangement of parts set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention has other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Detailed ways

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an adjustable mattress foundation 10 capable of being configured in a flat configuration for supporting a mattress 14 thereon in a planar orientation ( FIG. 1 ) and Reconfiguration between reclined or raised configurations (FIG. 2) for supporting mattress 14 in a reclined or raised orientation. It should also be appreciated that the base 10 can be adjusted to any of a number of partially reclined or elevated configurations between the flat and elevated configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, according to user preference and comfort.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the illustrated adjustable mattress foundation 10 includes a first or lower frame 18 and a second or upper frame 22 supported on the lower frame 18 . The lower frame 18 includes four pillars 26 for supporting the base 10 on a support surface (eg, the ground) and four rollers 30 facing the inside of the lower frame 18 . The rollers 30 are rotatably supported on four uprights 34 that are secured (eg, by welding, fasteners, or in any other suitable manner) to parallel longitudinal rails 38 of the lower frame 18 . A headboard 42 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may be coupled to the longitudinal rails 38 in a conventional manner.

The upper frame 22 includes spaced parallel rails 46 in which the rollers 30 are received to support the upper frame 22 on the lower frame 18 ( FIG. 3 ). Thus, the rollers 30 allow the upper frame 22 to move axially or longitudinally relative to the lower frame 18 and headboard 42 as the base 10 transitions between the flat configuration shown in FIG. 1 and the reclined or elevated configuration shown in FIG. bit. Referring to FIG. 3, the upper frame 22 includes first, second, and third movable frame portions 50a, 50b, 50c to achieve a reclined or raised orientation of the mattress 14 as shown in FIG. Fewer or more frame parts. The first movable frame portion 50a coincides with a portion of the mattress 14 on which the user's head and upper torso are supported (FIG. 3). The first movable frame portion 50a is pivotally coupled to a beam 54 interconnecting the rails 46 such that the first movable frame portion 50a is able to pivot about an axis transverse to the rails 46 .

The second movable frame portion 50b coincides with a portion of the mattress 14 on which the user's upper legs and thighs are supported. The second movable frame part 50b is pivotally coupled to a further beam 58 interconnecting the guide rails 46 such that the second movable frame part 50b is also able to pivot about an axis transverse to the guide rails 46 . The third movable frame portion 50c coincides with a portion of the mattress 14 on which the user's lower legs and feet are supported. The third movable frame portion 50c is pivotally coupled to the second movable frame portion 50b about an axis transverse to the rail 46 . The third movable frame portion 50c is also pivotally coupled to the guide rail 46 via a corresponding link 62 (see also FIG. 5 ). Thus, the combination of rail 46, second and third movable frame portions 50b, 50c, and link 62 defines or simulates a four-bar linkage.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the adjustable mattress base 10 also includes two actuators 66 supported on the upper frame 22 and operable respectively to selectively move the first and second movable The frame sections 50a, 50b are tilted or lifted. In the illustrated embodiment of adjustable mattress foundation 10, each of actuators 66 includes a housing 70, an extendable rack 74 contained within housing 70, and a servo A motor 78, the servo motor 78 is drivably coupled to the rack 74 to linearly displace the rack between extended and retracted positions. The adjustable mattress base 10 also includes a controller 82 electrically connected to the servomotor 78 of the corresponding actuator 66 for selectively actuating the servomotor 78 so that the corresponding actuator 66 The rack 74 is extended or retracted. Alternatively, actuator 66 may be configured for use with a pneumatic or hydraulic power source. The actuator 66 may take other forms capable of actuating the frame sections 50a, 50b, including but not limited to lead screws, screw jacks, ball screws, roller screw linear actuators, linear motors, adjustable pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, etc. .

In the illustrated embodiment of the adjustable mattress foundation 10, the housing 70 of the respective actuator 66 is pivotally coupled to the beams 54, 58 of the upper frame 22, while the respective rack 74 is pivotally Ground is coupled to a lever 86, which in turn extends from the first and second movable frame portions 50a, 50b, respectively. The levers 86 can each form a bell crank and can provide increased leverage on the first and second movable frame parts 50a, 50b to reduce the servomotor 78 causing the corresponding teeth of the actuator 66 to The bars 74 are stretched by the amount of torque necessary to tilt or lift the first and second movable frame sections 50a, 50b. Alternatively, the orientation of each of the actuators 66 may be reversed such that the housing 70 is pivotally coupled to the corresponding lever 86 and the rack 74 is pivotally coupled to the beams 54, 58, respectively. .

With continued reference to FIG. 3 , the adjustable mattress base 10 further includes another actuator 90 interconnecting the upper and lower frames 18 , 22 and operable independently of the actuator 66 to move relative to the lower frame 18 . Move upper frame 22. The actuator 90 can take any of the forms described above in relation to the previously described actuator 66 . Similar to other actuators 66, the illustrated actuator 90 includes a housing 94, an extendable rack 98 contained within the housing 94, and a servomotor 102 drivably coupled to the rack 98. to linearly displace the rack 98 between the extended and retracted positions. Controller 82 is also in electrical communication with servomotor 102 for selectively actuating servomotor 102 to extend or retract rack 98 .

In the illustrated embodiment of the adjustable mattress foundation 10, the actuator housing 94 is pivotally coupled to one of the rails 46 of the upper frame 22, while the rack 98 is pivotally coupled to the lower One of the longitudinal rails 38 of the frame 18 . In particular, actuator 90 is pivotally coupled to both right side rails 38 , 46 of the frame of reference of FIG. 3 . As such, the actuator 90 can be oriented substantially parallel to the guide rails 46 and the longitudinal rails 38 and positioned between the guide rail 46 and the longitudinal rail 38 on the right. Alternatively, the orientation of actuator 90 may be reversed such that housing 94 is pivotally coupled to lower frame 18 and rack 98 is pivotally coupled to upper frame 22 . Furthermore, in other embodiments, the actuator 90 may alternatively be positioned inside or outside the guide rail 46 and the longitudinal rail 8 . Furthermore, the actuator 90 may alternatively be positioned adjacent the left side rail 46 and longitudinal rail 38 in any of the ways just described. Furthermore, the actuator 90 may alternatively be positioned and coupled between any components that interconnect the guide rails 46 and the longitudinal rails 38 while still implementing the coupling of the upper frame 22 with respect to the lower frame 18 as will now be described. The same actuation function for moving to different positions.

In operation of the adjustable mattress foundation 10, the controller 82 is operable to allow the The tilting or lifting of the moving frame sections 50a, 50b, 50c is coordinated with the displacement of the upper frame 22 toward the headboard 42 to generally maintain an axial gap or spacing between the headboard 42 and the upper frame 22 . In this way, the axial or longitudinal position of the user's head remains relatively unchanged or changes minimally relative to the headboard 42 when the base 10 transitions from the flat configuration to the reclined or raised configuration.

When the adjustable mattress base 10 is initially in the flat configuration shown in FIG. Tilting or lifting of mobile frame portion 50a. The controller 82 then simultaneously actuates the actuator 66 associated with the first movable frame portion 50a and the actuator 90 for moving the upper frame 22 to a different position with respect to the lower frame 18 . The controller 82 may also actuate the actuators 66 associated with the second and third movable frame portions 50b, 50c, depending on user input or depending on the manner in which the controller 82 is configured. By actuating the actuator 90 in conjunction with the actuator 66 associated with the movable frame portion 50a, the movable frame portion 50a can be tilted while displacing the upper frame 22 relative to the lower frame 18. In some embodiments, the movable frame portions 50 b , 50 c can also or alternatively be tilted by their respective actuators 66 while the upper frame 22 is displaced relative to the lower frame 18 by the actuators 90 . By actuating the actuator 90 in conjunction with the actuator 66 associated with the movable frame portion 50a , the movable frame portion 50a can be tilted while the upper frame 22 is displaced relative to the lower frame 18 . In particular, the controller 82 actuates the servomotor 78 of the actuator 66 associated with the first movable frame portion 50a to extend the rack 74 so that the first movable frame portion 50a and the bed supported thereon The corresponding portion of the pad 14 is inclined. The controller 82 is capable of actuating the servo motor of the actuator 66 associated with the second and third movable frame portions 50b, 50c to extend the rack 74 so that the second and third movable frame portions 50b, 50c And the corresponding portion of the mattress 14 supported thereon is inclined.

Simultaneously with the just-described tilting movement of the first frame portion 50a (and in some embodiments, also or alternatively with the movement of the second and third frame portions 50b, 50c), the controller 82 actuates the actuator 90 servo motor 102 to extend the rack 98. In the case where the first movable frame portion 50a is tilted as just described, simultaneous actuation of the servo motor 102 of the actuator 90 displaces the upper frame 22 towards the headboard 42 ( FIG. 5 ). Similarly, in some embodiments, in those cases where the second and third movable frame sections 50b, 50c are tilted as just described, simultaneous actuation of the servo motor 102 of the actuator 90 also causes the upper frame 22 is displaced, such as towards a foot pedal (not shown). In some embodiments, the controller 82 is configured such that if only the second and third movable frame portions 50b, 50c have been tilted, the servo motor 102 of the actuator 90 (to shift the upper frame 18 relative to the lower frame 18) is not activated. frame 22), or configured so that if only the first movable frame portion 50a has been tilted, the servo motor 102 of the actuator 90 is not activated (to displace the upper frame 22 with respect to the lower frame 18). It should be understood, however, that in many applications it may be desirable to actuate the actuator 90 to bring the upper frame 22 toward the lower frame if the first moveable frame portion 50a has been tilted to effect a "wall-to-wall" motion. 18's headboard end shifted.

When the adjustable mattress base 10 is initially in the reclined or raised configuration shown in FIG. A movable frame portion 50a is reclined or lowered. The controller 82 then simultaneously actuates the actuator 66 associated with the first movable frame portion 50a and the actuator 90 for moving the upper frame 22 to a different position with respect to the lower frame 18 . The controller 82 may also actuate the actuators 66 associated with the second and third movable frame portions 50b, 50c, depending on user input or depending on the manner in which the controller 82 is configured. By actuating the actuator 90 in conjunction with the actuator 66 associated with the movable frame portion 50a, the movable frame portion 50a can be tilted back while displacing the upper frame 22 relative to the lower frame 18. In some embodiments, the movable frame portions 50 b , 50 c can also or alternatively be tilted backward by their respective actuators 66 while the upper frame 22 is displaced relative to the lower frame 18 by the actuators 90 . By actuating the actuator 90 in conjunction with the actuator 66 associated with the movable frame portion 50a, the movable frame portion 50a can be tilted back while displacing the upper frame 22 relative to the lower frame 18. In particular, the controller 82 actuates the servomotor 78 of the actuator 66 associated with the first movable frame portion 50a to retract the rack 74, thereby causing the first movable frame portion 50a and The corresponding portion of the mattress 14 reclines. The controller 82 is capable of actuating the servomotor of the actuator 66 associated with the second and third movable frame portions 50b, 50c to retract the rack 74, thereby causing the second and third movable frame portions 50b, 50b, 50c and the corresponding portion of mattress 14 supported thereon reclines.

Simultaneously with the reclining movement of the first frame portion 50a just described (and in some embodiments, also or alternatively with the movement of the second and third frame portions 50b, 50c), the controller 82 actuates the actuation Servomotor 102 of gear 90 retracts rack 98. In those cases where the first movable frame portion 50a is reclined as just described, simultaneous actuation of the servo motor 102 of the actuator 90 displaces the upper frame 22 away from the headboard 42 ( FIG. 5 ). Similarly, in some embodiments, simultaneous actuation of the servomotor 102 of the actuator 90 also causes the upper Frame 22 is displaced, such as away from a footrest (not shown). In some embodiments, the controller 82 is configured such that if only the second and third movable frame portions 50b, 50c have tilted back, the servomotor 102 of the actuator 90 is not actuated (to shift relative to the lower frame 18 upper frame 22), or configured so that if only the first movable frame portion 50a has tilted back, the servo motor 102 of the actuator 90 is not activated (to displace the upper frame 22 with respect to the lower frame 18). It should be understood, however, that in many applications it may be desirable to actuate the actuator 90 to move the upper frame 22 away from the lower frame portion 50a if the first movable frame portion 50a has been tilted back to effect a "wall-to-wall" motion. The headboard ends of the frame 18 are displaced.

Instead of coordinating the simultaneous operation of the actuators 66, 90 in the tilting operation of the base as described herein, the controller 82 may actuate the actuator 90 only after the first movable frame portion 50a is fully tilted to cause the upper frame 22 is displaced relative to headboard 42 and lower frame 18 . Similarly, instead of coordinating the simultaneous operation of the actuators 66, 90 in the reclining operation of the base as described herein, the controller 82 may actuate the actuator 90 only before the first movable frame portion 50a is tilted down. To displace the upper frame 22 relative to the headboard 42 and lower frame 18 .

Referring to FIG. 6, the illustrated adjustable mattress foundation includes suspension from two fixed beams 54, 58 attached to the first movable frame portion 50a, the upper frame 22, and a corresponding panel 110 of the third movable frame portion 50c. (suspend) three vibration motor assemblies 106. When actuated, the vibration motor assembly 106 applies massaging vibrations to the upper body, waist or buttocks, and lower legs of a user supported on the mattress 14 . Although the three vibration motor assemblies 106 are in the specific positions just described, it should be understood that in some embodiments, less or more vibrations can be provided in any position on any panel 110 in the mattress base 10. The motor assembly 106 , and multiple vibration motor assemblies 106 may be suspended at different locations on the same panel 110 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , each vibration motor assembly 106 includes a vibration motor 114 and a cover portion 118 at least partially enclosing the vibration motor 114 . In the illustrated embodiment of the vibration motor assembly 106, the cover portion 118 includes a housing 118 and a gasket 126 positioned or nested at least partially within the housing 122 and disposed between the vibration motor 114 and the housing 122. between. In the illustrated embodiment of the vibration motor assembly 106 , the pad 126 is adhesively coupled to the housing 122 so that the pad 126 and the housing 122 are integral. Alternatively, the gasket 126 may be loosely held or positioned within the housing 122 .

The outer shell 122 and the cushion 126 are each made of a foam material. However, the foam material of the shell 122 has a different density and hardness than the pad 126 . In some alternative embodiments, the foam material of shell 122 has substantially the same density or substantially the same hardness as pad 126 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shell 122 is made of a more rigid and dense foam (e.g., closed-cell polymer foam), while the liner 126 is made of a less rigid and dense foam (e.g., an open-cell polymer foam). made of foam).

Housing 122 and gasket 126 work together to attenuate the magnitude of noise emitted by vibration motor 114 and to attenuate the magnitude of vibration transmitted from vibration motor 114 to the particular panel 110 from which vibration motor assembly 106 is suspended. Additionally, the foam material selected for gasket 126 includes vibration-damping properties that achieve most of the vibration-damping capability of cover 118 , while the foam material selected for housing 122 includes vibration-damping properties that provide some degree of vibration dampening to cover 118 . Most of the noise attenuation properties of the cover portion 118 are achieved while achieving structural rigidity.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 , the adjustable mattress base 130 includes a pair of supports 130 that suspend the vibration motor assembly 106 relative to the panel 110 . Although FIG. 7 shows two supports 130 , a single support 130 or three or more supports 130 can alternatively be used as desired. Additionally, although not fully shown, base 130 includes additional identical supports 130 ( FIG. 6 ) that suspend the other vibration motor assemblies 106 to panel 110 . In particular, faceplate 110 includes corresponding apertures 134 through which vibration motor assembly 106 is received. Each of the supports 130 extends through a hole 134 for mounting to a top surface 138 of the panel 110 . Alternatively, support 130 may extend through aperture 134 for mounting to an upper surface of panel 110 that does not coincide with top surface 138 . For example, support 130 may be mounted to a notched upper or upwardly facing surface of panel 110 between top and bottom surfaces 142 ( FIG. 8 ) of panel 110 .

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 , the supports 130 are configured as flexible straps 146 each having opposing ends 150 attached to the top surface 138 of the panel 110 . In the illustrated embodiment of the adjustable mattress foundation 10 , the ends 150 of the straps 146 are secured to the top surface 138 of the panel 110 using nails 154 . Alternatively, different fasteners, adhesives, etc. may be used to secure the strap 146 to the panel 110 . The flexible straps 146 each include an adjustable length to account for minor differences in the size of the foam cover 118 of the vibration motor assembly 106, although non-adjustable straps 146 could be used if desired. In the illustrated embodiment, each strap 146 includes a first section 158 , a second section 162 and a buckle 166 interconnecting the first and second sections 158 , 162 . The second section 162 includes hook and loop fasteners (not shown) to allow the distal portion of the second section 162 to be covered by and affixed to the proximal portion of the second section 162. end part.

The illustrated vibration motor 114 includes a flange 170 and a motor housing 174 attached to the flange 170 . Flange 170 is flat and sits above motor housing 174 from the frame of reference of FIG. 8 . The flange 170 is also positioned within the opening 178 in the cover portion 118 such that the flange 170 is generally coplanar with the top surface of the panel 110 . The adjustable mattress foundation 10 further includes a fabric piece 182 secured to the top surface 138 of each panel 110 ( FIG. 6 ). The sheet 182 is secured to the top surface 138 of the panel 110 (e.g., using nails 186 or other suitable fasteners or fastening material) and covers each of the vibration motors 114 to confine the corresponding vibration motor assembly 106. The cover portion 118 and the vibration motor 114 protrude from the hole 134 in the panel 110 to an extent. In particular, in some embodiments, flexible strap 146 may be tightened to apply a clamping force between vibration motor assembly 106 and sheet 182 . Thus, vibration motor assembly 106 remains against the underside of mattress 14 , thereby increasing the efficiency with which vibrations are transmitted to mattress 14 and, in some cases, reducing the amount of vibrations transmitted to panel 110 .

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 190 . The assembly 190 includes a rigid plastic cover 194 depending from the top surface 138 of the panel 110 by opposing protrusions 198 (only one shown in FIG. 9 ). Cover portion 194 also includes resiliently deflectable fingers 202 that engage the bottom surface of panel 110 to thereby clamp panel 110 between protrusion 198 and fingers 202 . The protrusion 198 and fingers 202 can be integrally formed with the remainder of the rigid plastic cover 194 . By virtue of their shape and ability to move with respect to the rest of the rigid plastic cover 194 (it should be noted that the tabs 198 and fingers 202 can be cantilevered from adjacent rigid plastic cover 194 in a cantilevered manner as shown). Partially extended), the protrusion 198 and fingers 202 can be deflected by the user when the rigid plastic cover 194 is mounted on the panel 110 . Specifically, to install cover 194 (with vibration motor assembly 190 therein) from the bottom side of panel 110, the installer can squeeze protrusion 198 inwardly to clear the opening of hole 134 in panel 110. edge, the cover portion 194 can then be inserted into the hole 134 until the fingers 202 contact the bottom side of the panel 110 . In this regard, the clearance between the end of the protrusion 198 and the end of the finger 202 can be less than the thickness of the panel 110 therebetween so that after the rigid plastic cover 194 has been installed in the hole 134, This causes the protrusion 198 and finger 202 to remain in the deflected state. By virtue of this relationship between the protrusions 198 and fingers 202 (collectively also referred to as the "protrusions" of the rigid plastic cover 194) and the panel 110, the The biasing force exerted on 110 tightly secures the hard plastic cover 194 to the panel 110 . Such a tight secure relationship between the rigid plastic cover 194 and the panel 110 can be highly desirable given the fact that the rigid plastic cover 194 can be subjected to significant vibrations during the life of the mattress foundation 110 .

Although the cover 194 in the illustrated embodiment is described as being made of rigid plastic, it should be understood that covers of other resilient materials could perform the same or similar function and could be used instead. As examples, cover portion 194 can alternatively include aluminum, steel, or other metals, composite materials, or the like.

Another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 206 is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . The assembly 206 includes a cover 210 mounted (eg, using fasteners, fastening material, etc.) to the bottom surface 142 of the panel 110 and the vibration motor 114 received within a cavity of the cover 210 . The cover portion 210 includes resiliently deflectable fingers 214 defining the upper limit of the cavity. Due to their elastically deformable nature, the fingers 214 exert a clamping force on the vibrating motor 114 to hold the vibrating motor 114 tightly within the cover 210 while in contact with the bottom side of the mattress (not shown). The vibration motor flange 170 is positioned in proper relation.

FIG. 12 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 218 . The assembly 218 includes a cover 222 depending from the upper surface of the panel 110 and the vibration motor 114 received within a cavity of the cover 222 . The cover portion 222 includes resiliently deflectable fingers 226 defining the upper limit of the cavity. Due to their elastically deformable nature, the fingers 226 exert a clamping force on the vibrating motor 114 to hold the vibrating motor 114 tightly within the cover 222 while in contact with the bottom side of the mattress (not shown). The vibration motor flange 170 is positioned in proper relation. The cover 222 includes a further tab 230 adjacent the bottom surface 142 of the panel 110 that cooperates with the tab 230 adjacent the top surface 138 of the panel 110 to hold the cover 222 in place in the panel 110. Location. While one or both of such protrusions could be recessed within the surfaces 142 , 138 of adjacent panels 110 , in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 12 only the upper protrusion 230 is recessed within the panels 110 .

FIG. 13 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 234 . The assembly 234 includes a cover 238 depending from the upper surface of the panel 110 and the vibration motor 114 received within a cavity of the cover 238 . The cover portion 238 includes resiliently deflectable fingers 242 defining the upper limit of the cavity. Due to their elastically deformable nature, the fingers 242 exert a clamping force on the vibrating motor 114 to hold the vibrating motor 114 tightly within the cover 238 while in contact with the bottom side (not shown) of the mattress. The vibration motor flange 170 is positioned in proper relation. Similar to the protrusion 230 in the embodiment of FIG. 12 , the cover portion 238 also has an upper protrusion that is recessed within the surface 138 of the adjacent panel 110 .

FIG. 14 shows another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 246 . The assembly 246 includes a cover 250 depending from the upper surface of the panel 110 and the vibration motor 114 received within a cavity of the cover 250 . The cover portion 250 includes resiliently deflectable fingers 254 defining the upper limit of the cavity. Due to their elastically deformable nature, the fingers 254 exert a clamping force on the vibrating motor 114 to hold the vibrating motor 114 tightly within the cover 250 while in contact with the bottom side of the mattress (not shown). The vibration motor flange 170 is positioned in proper relation. Cover 250 includes laterally extending tabs 258 that are received within corresponding slots or grooves 262 in the middle of panel 110 for suspending cover 250 from panel 110 .

FIG. 15 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 266 . The assembly 266 includes a cover 270 depending from the upper surface of the panel 110 and the vibration motor 114 received within a cavity of the cover 270 . The cover portion 270 includes resiliently deflectable fingers 274 defining the upper limit of the cavity. Due to their elastically deformable nature, the fingers 274 exert a clamping force on the vibrating motor 114 to hold the vibrating motor 114 tightly within the cover 270 while in contact with the bottom side (not shown) of the mattress. The vibration motor flange 170 is positioned in proper relation. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 15 , the lower limit of the cavity is defined by a convex surface 278 of cover 270 , thereby providing a reduced amount of contact between cover 270 and vibration motor 114 . In this manner, cover 270 can exhibit vibration dampening characteristics to prevent undesired transmission of vibrations to panel 110 .

FIG. 16 shows a further alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 282 , with the vibration motor omitted for clarity. The assembly 282 includes a cover portion 286 that includes a plurality of stirrups 290 on which the vibration motor is supported and resiliently deflectable fingers 294 that engage the vibration motor. Due to their elastically deformable nature, the fingers 294 exert a clamping force on the vibrating motor to hold the vibrating motor tightly within the cover portion 286 while in proper relationship with the bottom side (not shown) of the mattress. Position the vibration motor flange 170 . Cover 286 may be mounted to the top or bottom surface of a panel (not shown).

Another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 298 is shown in FIG. 17 . The assembly 298 includes a cover 302 depending from the upper surface of the panel 110 and a vibration motor 114 supported by the cover 302 from a sheet of material (eg, fabric, plastic, etc.). Cover 302 is configured as an elastic sling 306 to allow vibration motor 114 to float with respect to panel 110 . Therefore, the amount of vibration transmitted to the panel 110 is reduced. Collar 310 is positioned around flange 170 of vibration motor 114 to center vibration motor 114 within sling 306 and to inhibit lateral deflection of vibration motor 114 within sling 306 .

FIG. 18 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 314 . The assembly 314 includes a plurality of elastic straps 318 suspended from the top surface 138 of the panel 110 and a vibration motor 322 supported by the straps 318 . In a similar manner to elastic sling 306 of FIG. 17 , strap 318 allows vibration motor 322 to float with respect to panel 110 . Therefore, the amount of vibration transmitted to the panel 110 is reduced. Belt 318 can be passed through a corresponding slot 326 in vibration motor 322 to center vibration motor 322 within belt 318 and inhibit lateral deflection of vibration motor 322 .

Another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 330 is shown in FIG. 19 . The assembly 330 includes a rigid cover portion 334 mounted to the bottom surface 142 of the panel 110 and the vibration motor 114 received within a cavity of the cover portion 334 . Vibration isolators 338 (eg, gel isolators) are used to reduce the transmission of vibration from the vibration motor 114 to the cover 334 and attached panel 110 , whereas vibration is transmitted upward from the vibration motor flange 170 onto the panel 110 mattress.

Another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 342 is shown in FIG. 20 . The assembly 342 includes a rigid cover portion 346 mounted to the bottom surface 142 of the panel 110 and the vibration motor 114 received within a cavity of the cover portion 346 . The assembly 342 also includes an adjustment mechanism 350 positioned between the cover 346 and the vibrating motor 114 for varying the spacing between the vibrating motor 114 and the overlying mattress 14 such that the installer or The user is able to vary the overall intensity of the vibrations delivered to the mattress 14 . Adjustment mechanism 350 includes, for example, a stirrup 354 in which vibrating motor 114 is seated, and a knob with a set screw 358 threaded to cover 346 for lifting or lowering relative to mattress 14 . Lower stirrups 354 and motor 114 .

FIG. 21 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 362 . The assembly 362 includes the vibration motor 114 and a plurality of clamps 366 that secure the vibration motor 114 to the panel 110 . In particular, the clamp 366 is attached to the vibration motor 114 through a hole present in the flange 170 . Panel 110 includes a corresponding number of cutouts 370 into which clips 366 are received such that clips 366 are flush with top surface 138 of panel 110 . A riser pad 374 may be used on the flange 170 to bridge any gaps between the flange 170 and the top surface 138 of the panel 110 .

FIG. 22 shows a further alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 378 . This assembly 378 includes: the vibration motor 114 suspended from the upper recessed surface 384 of the panel 110 around the perimeter of the hole in the panel 110; Between the upper recessed surfaces 384. Foam isolators 186 attenuate the amplitude of vibrations transmitted to panel 110 .

Another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 390 is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 . The assembly 390 includes a rigid cover 394 mounted to the bottom surface 142 of the panel 110 and the vibration motor 114 received within a cavity of the cover 394 . A riser pad 398 with a plurality of protrusions 402 (each having a barb in the illustrated embodiment) is positioned over the flange 170 of the vibration motor 114, wherein the protrusions 402 are inserted into the mattress 14 . In this manner, vibrations from vibration motor 114 can be transmitted to mattress 14 through riser pad 398 and protrusions 402 .

FIG. 25 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 406 . The assembly 406 includes a rigid cover 410 mounted to the bottom surface 142 of the panel 110 and the vibration motor 114 received within a cavity of the cover 410 . A riser pad 414 is positioned over the flange 170 of the vibration motor 114 with a plurality of protrusions in the form of ribs 418 that are inserted into an overlying mattress (not shown). Accordingly, vibrations from the vibration motor 114 can be transmitted to the mattress through the riser pad 414 and ribs 418 .

26 and 27 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of a vibration motor assembly 422 . The assembly 422 includes a rigid cover 426 mounted to the bottom surface 142 of the panel 110 and the vibration motor 114 received within a cavity of the cover 426 . Tray 430 is recessed into mattress 14 with vibration motor 114 at least partially received within tray 430 . Accordingly, vibrations from the vibration motor 114 can be transmitted to the mattress 14 through the tray 430 .

A vibration motor assembly and the structures and methods disclosed herein for locating and/or mounting such a vibration motor assembly have been described and illustrated in connection with an adjustable mattress base. It should be noted, however, that the application of such vibration motor assemblies and the structures and methods disclosed herein for locating and/or installing such vibration motor assemblies are not limited to adjustable mattress bases. Alternatively, the use of a vibration motor assembly in conjunction with a non-adjustable mattress base and the structures and methods disclosed herein for locating and/or mounting such a vibration motor assembly are contemplated herein and form an aspect of the present invention . Similarly, an adjustable mattress foundation as disclosed herein does not necessarily use any vibrating motor assembly.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (26)

1. An adjustable mattress base comprising: a frame comprising at least one movable frame portion; a panel coupled to the movable frame portion for movement therewith, the panel comprising a lower surface and an upper surface, the lower surface being in facing relationship with the movable frame portion ; an actuator supported on the frame and operable to selectively tilt the at least one movable frame portion; vibration motors; and A support that suspends the vibration motor relative to the panel is mounted to an upper surface of the panel. 2. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 1, wherein the support is a flexible strap having opposing first and second ends attached to the upper surface of the panel. Ends. 3. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 2, wherein the length of the flexible strap is adjustable. 4. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 3, wherein the flexible strap includes a first section, a second section, and a buckle connecting the first section and the The second sections are interconnected. 5. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 2, wherein the flexible strap is a first flexible strap, and wherein the adjustable mattress foundation further comprises a second flexible strap, the second A flexible strap has opposing first and second ends attached to the upper surface of the panel. 6. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 2, wherein the first end and the second end of the flexible strap are stapled to an upper surface of the panel. 7. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the panel coincides with a top surface of the panel. 8. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 1, further comprising a cover at least partially enclosing the vibration motor. 9. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 8, wherein the vibration motor and cover are suspended relative to the panel by the supports. 10. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 8, wherein the panel includes an aperture, and wherein the cover is at least partially received within the aperture. 11. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 10, wherein the vibrating motor includes a flange and a motor housing attached to the flange, and wherein the flange is located on the motor housing above the body. 12. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 11, wherein the cover portion includes an opening, and wherein the flange is positioned in the opening. 13. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 12, further comprising a sheet secured to the upper surface of the panel, wherein the sheet at least partially covers the vibration motor to constrain the cover portion and the extent to which the vibration motor protrudes from the aperture in the panel. 14. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 13, wherein the sheet is stapled to the upper surface of the panel. 15. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 13, said support clamping said cover and said vibration motor to said sheet. 16. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 13, wherein the sheet is made of a fabric material. 17. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 8, wherein the cover portion includes a shell and a cushion positioned at least partially within the shell. 18. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 17, wherein the cushion is positioned between the vibration motor and the housing. 19. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 17, wherein the shell is formed from a first foam material, and wherein the pad is formed from a second foam material. 20. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 19, wherein the first foam material is more rigid than the second foam material. 21. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 19, wherein the first foam material is denser than the second foam material. 22. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 19, wherein the second foam material attenuates the magnitude of vibrations emitted by the vibration motor. 23. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 19, wherein the first foam material attenuates the magnitude of noise transmitted from the vibration motor to the panel. 24. The adjustable mattress foundation of claim 17, wherein the pad is adhesively coupled to the shell. 25. An assembly for generating vibrations of a mattress supported on a panel of a mattress base, the panel having holes therein, the assembly comprising: vibration motors; and a support that suspends the vibration motor relative to the panel, the support is mounted to the upper surface of the panel, extends below the vibration motor, and suspends the vibration motor on the The apertures in the panels are substantially aligned and at least partially in position below the panels. 26. A mattress foundation comprising: frame; a panel supported by the frame and adapted to support a mattress thereon, the panel comprising an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface; vibration motors; and A support that suspends the vibration motor relative to the panel is mounted to an upper surface of the panel.